Why Accoya Sash Windows Are the Smart Choice for Your Home
Thinking about replacing your wooden sash windows but want something that lasts, looks good, and doesn’t need endless maintenance? Accoya sash windows might be the upgrade you didn’t know you needed.
At Sash Window Shop, we supply and install high-performance timber sash windows across London and the surrounding counties – and Accoya is fast becoming the go-to material for homeowners who want top-tier performance with minimal hassle.
Let’s break down what makes Accoya sash windows a worthwhile investment – and why they’re a smart choice if you want to avoid constant repainting, rattles in winter, or throwing money at heat loss.
What is Accoya – and Why Does It Matter?
* Built to Last (Without the Usual Maintenance)
Most timber sash windows will need repainting every few years. Accoya sash windows? They can go double or even triple that time before needing attention.
Because of how stable the timber is, paint adheres better and lasts longer – meaning lower lifetime maintenance costs and fewer Saturdays spent on a ladder with a brush.
* No Swelling. No Sticking.
Accoya’s dimensional stability is unmatched. Your sash windows will glide open and closed, even in the depths of a damp London winter. No seasonal swelling, no sticking, and no draughts.
That’s not marketing fluff – Accoya swells and shrinks 75% less than standard hardwoods. Which means no more wrestling with stuck sashes when the seasons change.
* Outstanding Energy Efficiency
With energy bills being what they are, insulation matters.
Accoya is a naturally insulating timber – and when paired with double glazing or vacuum glazing, you can achieve:
- U-values as low as 0.4 W/m²K with vacuum units
- Up to 30% better thermal performance than other timbers
- Improved comfort and lower bills, year-round
We also incorporate brush-pile and Q-lon draught-proofing systems into every timber sash window we install, keeping cold air out and your heating in.
* Eco-Friendly from Start to Finish
Accoya is made from fast-growing softwood (Radiata pine), sourced from sustainably managed forests and modified using a completely non-toxic process.
So if you’re trying to reduce your environmental footprint without compromising on quality, Accoya is an easy win.
- FSC® Certified
- 100% recyclable
- Non-toxic – no leaching of harmful chemicals
- Cradle to Cradle Certified™ Gold for product sustainability, and Platinum for material health
It’s also safe for children and pets – which can’t always be said for pressure-treated wood.
* Designed to Suit Any Home
Accoya works with almost any architectural style. Whether you live in a Georgian terrace, a Victorian villa, or a modern extension that needs a wooden sash window to comply with planning conditions – we can design a window that fits your home.
- Slim, authentic profiles for conservation areas
- Deep sills, horns, glazing bars, and period details
- Factory-finished in your chosen colour (including dual-colour options)
- Compatible with traditional weights & pulleys or hidden balances
And yes – we can include Vacuum Glazing for period-perfect looks with modern insulation performance.
The Investment Case: Is It Worth It?
We won’t pretend Accoya sash windows are the cheapest on the market. But if you look at the total cost of ownership – they’re often the most cost-effective long-term choice.
Here’s why:
Feature | Standard Timber | Accoya |
Lifespan | 20–30 years (if well maintained) | 50+ years (with minimal upkeep) |
Repainting | Every 5–6 years | Every 8–12 years |
Rot & insect resistance | Requires chemical treatment | Naturally resistant |
Energy savings | Moderate | Excellent |
What About Installation?
We’ve been fitting sash windows for years – from full box sash replacements to retrofitting into existing frames.
With Accoya, we take care of everything:
- Accurate survey and design consultation
- Custom joinery made to order
- Factory-finished and double-primed
- Expert installation by our in-house team
- Compliance with Building Regs, PAS 24 (Part Q), and heritage guidelines where needed
We serve Greater London, Essex, Hertfordshire, and beyond – and we’re happy to coordinate with your builder or architect if this is part of a wider project.
FAQs
How long do Accoya wooden sash windows last?
They come with a 50-year warranty above ground – and real-world installations show performance well beyond that.
Are they worth the extra cost?
If you plan to stay in your home or care about long-term value, yes. Lower maintenance, better performance, and fewer replacements over time.
Will they suit my conservation area home?
Yes. We regularly install Accoya sash windows in conservation areas – including Article 4 zones – and ensure all designs meet planning requirements.
Can I get double glazing or vacuum glazing in these?
Absolutely. Accoya is ideal for double or vacuum units, even where space is tight. Read more about vacuum glazing in our Landvac Vacuum Glazing blog here.
Ready to Upgrade?
We’re not just here to sell windows. We’re here to help you make the right decision for your home.
If you’re considering Accoya sash windows – whether it’s a single bay window or a full house – get in touch today.
Sash Window Shop Ltd
Custom-made Accoya sash windows supplied and installed across London & the Home Counties.
☎ 01279 456 670 | ✉ hello@sashwindowshop.com
